Presenter: Kathy Mitchell – Vice President and National Spokesperson for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)

Families that are raising children with effects from prenatal alcohol exposure, known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) oftentimes find themselves having to become experts on the topic. They often have to educate their healthcare providers, educators, counselors and others that provide treatment and support for their loved ones. It is easy for these families to burn out, and fall into a feeling of helplessness or despair. Kathy Mitchell, Vice President and National Spokesperson for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) will review some of the behavioral characteristics of individuals with FASD through the lifespan and discuss how families are also affected through the lifespan. Kathy will review the stages of denial and grief often experienced by family members and will focus on the importance of self-care for parents and caretakers. She will provide suggestions on how to deal with stress and develop a positive mindset that can allow families to move from grief and frustration to a place of acceptance. She will review current resources and support that are available to individuals and family members with FASD.